Indian Archer Dhiraj Bommadevara Secures Paris Olympics 2024 Quota Amidst Asian Triumph

In a historic moment for Indian archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara emerged triumphant at the Asian Continental Qualifier Tournament 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, earning India its first quota for the Paris Olympics 2024. Dhiraj’s outstanding performance not only secured the coveted Olympic spot but also clinched a silver medal in the men’s recurve event.

Also Read: Asian Archery Championships: Indian Archers Shine with Bronze Amidst Paris Olympics Quota Quest

The journey to Paris began with Dhiraj’s exceptional showing in the qualifying round, where he topped the standings with an impressive 677 points, narrowly edging out compatriot Tarundeep Rai. This top seeding paved the way for Dhiraj’s entry into the final rounds of the competition.

In a nail-biting final, Dhiraj faced Lin Zih-Siang from Chinese Taipei, ultimately succumbing to a 5-6 defeat in a shoot-off for the gold medal. Despite the loss, Dhiraj’s entry into the final secured India’s quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant milestone in the country’s archery history.

The National Olympic Committees (NOCs) play a crucial role in determining the participation of athletes in the Olympics, holding exclusive authority over the representation of their respective countries at the sporting extravaganza. Dhiraj’s achievement not only brings glory to Indian archery but also opens a promising chapter for the nation’s representation on the global stage.

Dhiraj’s path to the podium was marked by exceptional skill and determination. A first-round bye set the tone for his campaign, and subsequent victories over Turkmenistan’s Ezizmuhammet Sahedov and Singapore’s Li Yue Long in the second and third rounds, respectively, showcased his consistent form. In the quarterfinals, Dhiraj triumphed over Iran’s Sadegh Ashrafi Bavili with a commanding 6-0 win.

The journey to the final continued with another decisive victory over Iran’s Mohammadhossein Golshani Asl. Although Dhiraj fell short in the gold medal match against Lin Zih-Siang, his runner-up finish secured the precious Olympic quota, a testament to his skill and composure on the archery range.

In the men’s recurve event, Olympian Tarundeep Rai also displayed commendable prowess but faced a formidable opponent in Zih-Siang, who went on to win the gold medal with a 6-0 victory. Rai, falling two wins short of securing a quota, showcased the competitive nature of the tournament.

In the women’s event, Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Tisha Punia represented India. Bhakat, finishing second in the qualification, reached the quarterfinals but was defeated by Uzbekistan’s Ziyodakhon Abdusattorova, who eventually claimed the silver medal. Meanwhile, Bhajan Kaur, after receiving a bye in the first round, faced a tough challenge and succumbed to Thailand’s Sataporn Artsalee in the second round.

Dhiraj Bommadevara’s feat not only elevates Indian archery to new heights but also sets the stage for an exciting journey towards the Paris Olympics 2024. As the nation celebrates this remarkable achievement, the spotlight now shifts to Dhiraj’s continued excellence on the international stage and the promising prospects for Indian archery on the grand Olympic platform.